The first method of conversion from PowerPoint 97,2000,2003 (.ppt) or PowerPoint 2007 (.pptx) in our PowerPoint convert zone is aimed more at users who are likely to save PowerPoint files (or any other Office document types for that matter) as .PDFs on a regular basis.

It’s not well known or publicised (like so many things in life) that PowerPoint can save files as PDFs from inside the program, using FILE > SAVE AS. Unfortunately, unless you download the add-in (plug-in), it isn’t a piece of functionality which comes as standard (unhelpful or what?!)

This method will only work for Office 2007. Once the add-in has been installed, it will provide this conversion functionality in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Firstly, click http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HA101675271033.aspx

It will take you to this office online page:

Office Online

Select the Microsoft Save as PDF or XPS Add-in for 2007 Microsoft Office programs link (don’t you just love Microsoft’s brevity in their product naming!)

It will then take you to a validation page to ensure that you are using a genuine version of Microsoft Office. If yours is not - then I suggest you leave here and go and buy a legitimate copy…

Click the ‘continue’ button. You may have to install a small piece of software if using Internet Explorer. You will then get a validation code to paste into the Step 2 box.

Press the download button and then I would suggest you select ‘RUN’ as opposed to ‘SAVE’ when the download box appears. The application will then download. Follow the simple wizard and it will install.

If you then open PowerPoint 2007, at first glance it’s not obvious that anything’s happened. Go to the ‘SAVE AS’ drop down… and lo and behold, you can now save to PDF, like any other file. Excellent - a really easy way to protect and distribute those Business PowerPoint presentations.

PDF add-in - simple, free and convenient